The Escher-Wyss site is one of the defining locations in Zurich’s industrial history and is now a key building block in the development of Zurich-West. Since the beginning of the 19th century, the area has transformed from rural outskirts of the city to the industrial heart of Zurich – and since the 1990s, step by step, into a modern urban living and working space. Allreal has played a key role in shaping the development of the past 20 years and is now one of the most important real estate owners on the site.
From the 1970s onwards, Switzerland underwent a profound structural shift. Industry was steadily losing importance, and large, inner-city areas that had previously been dedicated to industrial use offered new development potential. Politicians and private owners in the city of Zurich were also concerned with the repurposing of these sites, including the Escher-Wyss site in Zurich-West. Based on the cantonal structure plan and the private design plan for Escher Wyss, Technopark was built in 1995, followed by the large-scale mixed-use Puls5 development, several hotels, Turbinenplatz and the West-Park office building. The Kesselschmiede – now known as Schiffbau – was transformed into a cultural space, with extensions with artists’ studios, workshops for the Schauspielhaus and apartments.
At the start of the 2000s, Allreal acquired the remaining plots of land on the site, covering a total area of 60,000 m2. Together with an external advisory board, the previous development has been examined again, and approaches to neighbourhood and site development from Switzerland and abroad have been studied.
Zurich-West, 1898: The industrial district with the Aussersihl railway viaduct with a view over the Chäferberg (source: Baugeschichtliches Archiv (Architectural History Archive) Zurich; Eduard Spelterini)
In 2004, the conclusion was clear: Industrial production should remain on the site, but the site should be upgraded with additional uses in stages that are in line with the district and the market. What’s the advantage of this small steps approach? There is no need to alter existing planning instruments, changing needs can be better addressed, and the risk of a soulless, purpose-built district being created is reduced. This combination and coexistence of existing and newly built buildings is still what makes Zurich-West so attractive today. And the decision to continue to give industry a prominent place on the site is also proving to be a far-sighted assessment in the current environment.
Over the past two decades, Allreal has carefully developed the site and played a key role in shaping the new face of the district. New apartments and offices have been built, as well as meeting areas, such as Schiffbauplatz. And this transformation is not yet complete. There is further development potential around the industrial space, which Allreal intends to tap into in the long term, step by step, towards a a place that remains vibrant and attractive to live in.
Strengthening industry – adding new uses
The original compressor test bench from 1978 is a large hall, with its floor extending two storeys below street level. The compressors are moved from the production hall to the test bench on an industrial track that runs across the Puls5. The facility has been continuously expanded: There are now several test benches on the triangular plot, the most recent of which was developed and built by Allreal in 2010.
Architects: Agebo Architekten
Year of construction: 2010
Hardturmstrasse 5, Escher-Terrassen
With Escher-Terrassen, Allreal has developed and realised its first expansion of uses on the site. The 19-storey residential high-rise rises 60 metres into the sky. It overlooks the site and offers unobstructed views of the Üetliberg. The new building incorporates the former model warehouse from 1900, which is used as a rehearsal stage by Zurich Opera House.
Architects: e2a Architekten
Label: Minergie
Year of construction: 2014
In addition to the expansion of the test benches, the expansion of the central warehouse also contributed to strengthening the industrial location. Today, there are up to 2,000 workplaces on the site in the immediate vicinity of the production hall. Allreal played a leading role in the development and realisation of the project.
Architects: Itten Brechbühl
Year of construction: 2015
The listed building is used by the industrial company Everllence SE (formerly: MAN Turbo Solutions) as the head office. The building has undergone several partial renovations since 2016. Today, the building offers around 12,500 m2 of modern office space.
Architects: Forster & Uhl Architekten (2016)
Year of construction: 1954
Schiffbaustrasse 7, «Blumenhaus»
Allreal developed and realised a seven-storey residential and commercial building adjacent to the Kulturpark. Also known as the “Blumenhaus” (Flower House) due to its distinctive facade, the building has commercial space on the ground floor, while the first floor contains offices and a total of 23 rental apartments on the floors above.
Architects: Wiel Arets Architects
Label: Minergie
Year of construction: 2016
Schiffbaustrasse 2, commercial building
With the new building next to the Schiffbau cultural centre, Allreal has also created another space on the site. The Schiffbauplatz is now a lively place where people can linger, stroll and celebrate. During the M4Music Festival, the outdoor stage is located here and offers music enjoyment of the highest calibre, free of charge. The new building comprises modern office and commercial spaces, which are currently rented by law firms, auditors, architects, restaurants and a nursery.
Architects: Baukontor Architekten
Label: Minergie
Year of construction: 2017
Hardstrasse 299/301, commercial building
The commercial building with its iconic green facade has replaced the former garage building from the 1960s. The ground floor is for public use, while the upper floors are rented by a reinsurance company. Until relocating in 2020, the firm was already a tenant in an Allreal property in Zurich Riesbach.
Architects: Caruso St John Architects
Label: Minergie ECO
Year of construction: 2020
Alongside the former management building on Escher-Wyss-Platz, the welfare building, which is also a listed building, has been standing since 1954. Allreal completely renovated the building, which now houses a public staff restaurant and modern, attractive office space on the two upper floors.
Architects: Forster & Uhl Architekten (2021)
Year of construction: 1954